Verdi's Don Carlos / Don Carlo

[Maciek]

Don't think there's a thread dedicated to this opera yet...?

Favorite recordings? Recollections of great live performances? Opinions about the different versions?

I've found a discography page on Wikipedia today (didn't know they had those), but I don't think it's complete (it has some interesting outside links at the end, though).

Does anyone know the live recording with Zylis-Gara on Myto? I noticed it while browsing through the abeillemusique sale, but in the end decided to give it a pass.

[Wendell_E]

I've found a discography page on Wikipedia today (didn't know they had those), but I don't think it's complete (it has some interesting outside links at the end, though).

No, not complete.  Where's Santini's 1961 DG recording (the first of the five-act version), or the 2004 Vienna State production, available on CD and DVD?  Not always accurate, either.   Neither the Abbado or the Pappano recordings are of the "1867 Original 5-act French version".

Don Carlos is one of my favorite operas, and probably my favorite of Verdi's.  I prefer the opera in five acts, and in French, so I usually listen to the Abbado recording (1886 five-act Modena version), or watch the DVD from Vienna (which is the "1867 Original 5-act French version").  But I'm not giving up Giulini's EMI Italian-language recording of the Modena version, either.

[knight66]

Don Carlo is also a great favourite of mine. I like the idea of it in French, but ditched Abbado, as the singers simply did not sound remotely French. The Pappano does not give me the pleasure I had hoped because the sound seems unusually recessed.

So, to the Italian version.

Solti is blood and thunder with a very good cast. Guilini's has more light and shade about it, with an excellent cast. Haitink I gave away, under-dramatic to a fault, a big one. With a different conductor it could have been a top pick, but it is sluggish and underpowered.

The DG set conducted by Santini has a great male line-up, it is a five act version, though there are so many sub-versions and options, you have to read up on it to find out quite what you are getting. Santini is OK, but frankly a bit pedestrian. However, he does not depress the singers and Cossotto, Bastianini and Christoff do well.

Karajan with Freni and Baltsa has a lot going for it vocally and it is dramatic, but the orchestral sound submerges the voices. That deliberate balance, same as his Aida with the same forces, rules it out for me.

Two live versions are worth getting hold of. There is a fabled Giulini Covent Garden, five acter, with Vickers, Gobbi and Christoff who are all as good as it gets. Brouwenstijn sounds sour toned to me, but is much admired. It was clearly a great night and the performance stands the test of time.

Finally, on Pantheon Horst Stein fires up Corelli, Ghiaurov, Waechter, Janowitz and Verrett in a four act version. This charges full of electricity. Janowitz is not thought of as a Verdi singer, though she is a more experienced Verdian than her discography would suggest. Nevertheless, she sings beautifully and uses the words. The show stopper is Verrett in 'O don fatale', the audience goes mad, deservedly. Corelli is in rude health.

So, who to buy...EMI Giulini and Stein...not either, both.

Mike

[Tsaraslondon]

Mike,

I evidently need to hear the Stein. Giulini has always been my yardstick, but you make the prospect very tempting. Not sure, though,  how I'll quite take to Corelli in the role of Don Carlo, one of Verdi's most psychologically complex tenor roles. For me, Corelli can be an exciting singer, but in general he lacks refinement, and I would not expect him to challenge the performances of Vickers, Domingo, Bergonzi and Carreras in this role. Maybe I'm wrong?

[knight66]

Corelli is as I suggested, in rude health vocally. High octane and not much light and shade. You will hear how Janowitz phrases her singing, not really a Verdi voice, but plenty to enjoy.
Try this.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38YvnSiKrjE

and this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-IEcQ0Oj5Q&NR=1

There is on Youtube an extract of him singing in the Otello love duet at a Bing Met Gala. His partner is Zylis-Gara who provides him with a singing lesson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_cd6NQx9Jk

Mike

[Maciek]

His partner is Zylis-Gara

Who, let me remind those who missed it, is Elisabeth de Valois in the Myto release I mentioned in the beginning. Judging by the responses so far, no one has heard that recording? That is making me even more curious... (Not that I expect it to be some sort of ultimate rendition, but I'm simply curious... I've wishlisted Giulini and Stein, of course, and they'll be my top priority anyway.)


I notice there are also a couple of DVD versions available - Wendell_E mentioned one. Any more recommendations?

[knight66]

It might be in the wrong language, but WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCw_CnLIzIg&feature=related

Mike

[Tsaraslondon]

Absolutely - spot on. I often wonder why she didn't do more Italian opera outside of Germany. She is an excellent Azucena on the Giulini Il Trovatore.

Then there is this. A little wild - but undeniably exciting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usyPazl9QMQ

And there is always this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBcLPqpSJ6g

The top of the voice is shrill and unfocused, but what a wealth of meaning she finds. How wonderfully, deeply felt the o mia regina section, followed by two more complete changes of attitude - first horror when she remembers Carlo is to be put to death, and then joy that she still has time to save him. I know I bang on about her, but, in intention at least, surely this is the greatest performance of them all. And, apart from a few squally top notes, it's pretty good vocally as well, her legato line superb.

[Trouble]

If for no other reason than the superb Grand Inquisitor scene alone, my vote goes to the Corelli/Waechter/Janowitz/Verrett/Ghiaurov/Talvela.
Martti Talvela's Inquisitor is absolutely frightening.
A magnificent CD!

[knight66]

Good to see another vote for the Corelli/Verrett version. I don't know anyone else who has it.

Callas...yes as often, it highlights the pity she could not bring herself to sing the mezzo roles. Though for me Eboli needs a warmer tone.

Mike